WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.040 One day, Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who carried his armor, 00:00:07.780 --> 00:00:11.759 ! Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side. 00:00:12.259 --> 00:00:13.780 ! But he did not tell his father. 00:00:14.540 --> 00:00:19.780 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. 00:00:19.980 --> 00:00:26.120 The people who were with him were about 600 men, including Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, 00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:32.000 Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, 00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:33.299 wearing an ephod. 00:00:33.840 --> 00:00:36.380 And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 00:00:37.179 --> 00:00:41.460 Within the passes by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, 00:00:41.920 --> 00:00:46.840 there was a rocky crag on one side and a rocky crag on the other side. 00:00:46.939 --> 00:00:51.900 The name of the one was Bozes, and the name of the other, Sina. 00:00:51.899 --> 00:00:58.539 The one crag rose on the north in front of Migmash, and the other on the south in front of Gibeah. 00:00:59.219 --> 00:01:01.640 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, 00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:05.840 Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:12.459 It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. 00:01:13.099 --> 00:01:14.659 And his armor-bearer said to him, 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:21.019 Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you, heart and soul. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:22.739 And then Jonathan said, 00:01:23.140 --> 00:01:27.340 Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. 00:01:27.679 --> 00:01:28.840 And if they say to us, 00:01:29.159 --> 00:01:34.780 Wait until we come to you, then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:36.340 But if they say, 00:01:36.679 --> 00:01:38.719 Come up to us, then we will go up. 00:01:38.900 --> 00:01:42.939 For the Lord has given them into our hand, and this shall be the sign to us. 00:01:42.939 --> 00:01:46.659 And so both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:48.280 And the Philistines said, 00:01:48.819 --> 00:01:53.200 Look, Hebrews are coming, out of the holes where they have hidden themselves. 00:01:53.739 --> 00:01:58.039 And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, 00:01:58.539 --> 00:02:00.859 Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. 00:02:01.319 --> 00:02:03.219 And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:07.060 Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel. 00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:10.079 And then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, 00:02:10.079 --> 00:02:11.840 and his armor-bearer after him. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:20.800 And they fell before Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:25.439 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:32.780 killed about 20 men within, as it were half a furrow's length, in an acre of land. 00:02:33.480 --> 00:02:37.259 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. 00:02:37.259 --> 00:02:40.239 The garrison and even the raiders trembled. 00:02:40.599 --> 00:02:43.199 The earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. 00:02:43.899 --> 00:02:46.620 And the watchmen of Saul and Gibeah of Benjamin looked. 00:02:46.919 --> 00:02:50.199 And behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:52.719 And then Saul said to the people who were with him, 00:02:53.259 --> 00:02:55.000 Count and see who has gone from us. 00:02:55.219 --> 00:02:59.060 And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 00:02:59.060 --> 00:03:03.379 And so Saul said to Ahijah, Bring the ark of God here. 00:03:03.860 --> 00:03:07.560 For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. 00:03:08.060 --> 00:03:10.240 And now, while Saul was talking to the priest, 00:03:10.580 --> 00:03:13.640 the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. 00:03:14.080 --> 00:03:16.980 And so Saul said to the priest, Withdraw your hand. 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:21.439 And then Saul and all the people who were with him railed and went into the battle. 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:25.579 And behold, every Philistine's sword was against his fellow. 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:27.599 And there was very great confusion. 00:03:28.300 --> 00:03:31.840 And now the Hebrews, who had been with the Philistines before that time, 00:03:32.120 --> 00:03:34.500 and who had gone up with them into the camp, 00:03:34.840 --> 00:03:39.079 even they also turned to be with the Israelites, who were with Saul and Jonathan. 00:03:39.740 --> 00:03:44.939 Likewise, when all the men of Israel, who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim, 00:03:45.219 --> 00:03:46.919 heard that the Philistines were fleeing, 00:03:47.379 --> 00:03:50.219 they too followed hard after them in the battle. 00:03:50.219 --> 00:03:53.039 And so the Lord saved Israel that day. 00:03:53.300 --> 00:03:56.199 And the battle passed beyond Beth-Avon. 00:03:58.680 --> 00:03:59.860 This is the word of the Lord. 00:04:00.520 --> 00:04:01.460 Thanks be to God. 00:04:02.340 --> 00:04:03.340 You may be seated. 00:04:04.340 --> 00:04:08.039 Isaiah 40 reminds us that the grass withers, the flower fades, 00:04:08.139 --> 00:04:10.259 but the word of the Lord stands forever. 00:04:10.819 --> 00:04:16.759 And in Luke 1, the angel Gabriel declares that no word from God shall be void of power. 00:04:18.060 --> 00:04:19.079 Would you pray with me? 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:28.900 O Lord, nothing can restrain you from saving. 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:35.260 May it be that you will work for us today. 00:04:37.680 --> 00:04:38.440 Amen. 00:04:38.440 --> 00:04:38.560 Amen. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:44.160 Well, the need is clear. 00:04:46.019 --> 00:04:47.879 The orders have been given. 00:04:49.740 --> 00:04:52.259 And the mission is before us all. 00:04:55.340 --> 00:04:56.959 But what is the church to do? 00:04:57.300 --> 00:04:58.660 And how is the church to do it? 00:04:58.660 --> 00:05:06.320 I looked online and there are 44 million books written about the mission of the church. 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:15.260 The message of most of these books is if it's big, then you're doing something right. 00:05:15.259 --> 00:05:19.599 Recently, someone actually was trying to tell me that. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:30.339 And the implication is that if you're able to take out a big mortgage, buy land, build, 00:05:30.779 --> 00:05:34.740 then you earn the right to write books about how to do that. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:42.600 The implication then on the other side is that if you're small, you're doing something wrong. 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:53.879 By God's grace, I, well, I'll say in my weakness, I did let the first piece of advice get to me in my flesh. 00:05:53.960 --> 00:05:55.660 I confess this to Jonathan and others. 00:05:55.840 --> 00:05:57.100 It stirred it up in me. 00:05:57.100 --> 00:06:01.680 And then, by God's grace, he ministered to me through another pastor. 00:06:01.820 --> 00:06:06.580 And I want to tell you about his testimony of 22 years in the ministry at the end of the sermon. 00:06:09.360 --> 00:06:10.180 Who's right? 00:06:11.879 --> 00:06:18.060 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus, I see in this passage, this first half of 1 Samuel 14, 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:22.180 two different approaches to mission. 00:06:22.180 --> 00:06:27.699 Two very different approaches to accomplishing what God has called us to do. 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:34.840 On one side, it's a philosophy that depends on what man can see. 00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:36.840 That's Saul. 00:06:37.620 --> 00:06:41.360 That's Saul's, quote, philosophy of ministry or mission. 00:06:42.280 --> 00:06:49.620 But on the other hand, praise the Lord, we have a theology that rests on God's power. 00:06:49.960 --> 00:06:50.920 That's Jonathan. 00:06:51.460 --> 00:06:51.740 Amen? 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:57.060 Two very different approaches to mission. 00:06:58.139 --> 00:07:03.180 Where we left off in the last chapter, Marsha pointed this out beautifully in Sunday school. 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:06.120 Jonathan had received a victory from the Lord. 00:07:06.620 --> 00:07:08.500 Saul stepped in front of him and took the credit. 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:10.699 Let everyone hear that Saul has done this. 00:07:11.180 --> 00:07:13.660 The two are one behind the other. 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:17.280 And as Marsha put it, now there's daylight between the two. 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:20.639 There's a separation between these two men. 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:22.219 Would you look at verse 1 with me? 00:07:23.139 --> 00:07:24.599 Now it happened one day. 00:07:25.439 --> 00:07:27.279 Oh, that little phrase, it should remind you. 00:07:27.759 --> 00:07:29.399 We've seen this in this book already, remember? 00:07:29.659 --> 00:07:30.519 It just so happened. 00:07:30.599 --> 00:07:31.719 He goes wondering for the donkeys. 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:32.479 It just so happened. 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:33.860 Samuel comes down. 00:07:34.579 --> 00:07:36.279 We've seen this in other parts of the Bible. 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:37.219 Do you remember in Ruth? 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:40.040 That's the way the Lord's providence is described. 00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:44.400 So when we hear this chapter starting that way, now it happened one day. 00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:45.280 We should already know. 00:07:45.960 --> 00:07:51.600 Pay attention to the details because God's providence is going to be highlighted in every little thing that comes up next. 00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:53.480 Even these Hebrew names of rocks. 00:07:55.060 --> 00:08:06.920 It happened one day that Jonathan, now remember earlier he was just called Jonathan, but now he's called Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who bore his armor. 00:08:06.920 --> 00:08:12.800 Remember, some have gotten themselves a really good, apparently, job as a golf caddy. 00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:16.500 And that's similar to being a weapons caddy. 00:08:16.699 --> 00:08:17.699 What do you do as a caddy? 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:18.740 You follow them around. 00:08:18.860 --> 00:08:19.600 You carry their gear. 00:08:19.700 --> 00:08:20.180 You assist. 00:08:20.280 --> 00:08:20.819 You support. 00:08:21.700 --> 00:08:23.240 You criticize when they're not listening. 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:25.819 A weapons caddy would do the same thing. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:27.740 You're carrying their weapons around. 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:36.419 And he said to him, come, let us go over to the Philistines' garrison that is on the other side. 00:08:37.639 --> 00:08:44.440 So on the side that the Hebrews are on, where Jonathan and his armor bearer are having this dialogue, that is called Geba. 00:08:45.060 --> 00:08:46.000 Geba means hill. 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:48.039 So they're up on a hill. 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:54.360 The other side where the Philistines are, do you remember from the previous chapter, that place is called Michmash. 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:56.159 Michmash means hidden. 00:08:56.159 --> 00:09:00.100 So they've taken a position of being under stealth. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:03.219 They've invaded Israel's land, and they're in Michmash. 00:09:04.399 --> 00:09:09.799 And in between that side of the Philistines, this side of the Israelites, is a wadi. 00:09:10.559 --> 00:09:15.120 A wadi is a geographic feature that we know as well. 00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:19.500 It's a ravine in California, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado. 00:09:19.639 --> 00:09:22.179 They call it an arroyo, using the Spanish name. 00:09:22.179 --> 00:09:25.860 It's basically a mini canyon or a dry creek. 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:33.719 And on those monsoon months where there's a couple months of massive rain and snow melt all coming down together, it'll flood up in a hurry. 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:35.939 But the rest of the time, it's a dry creek. 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:39.500 And so picture this scene. 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:40.980 Here's Jonathan on the hill. 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:46.299 And he says, let's cross down through this dry creek and go up the other side. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:48.319 Jonathan is a prince, remember? 00:09:48.320 --> 00:09:53.560 Remember his dad, Saul, most likely time has passed, and everyone knows he is the prince of Israel. 00:09:54.460 --> 00:09:55.600 But he's on a mission. 00:09:56.379 --> 00:09:59.940 He leaves the comfort of royal life behind. 00:10:00.900 --> 00:10:05.660 He and Saul are the only two with weapons that could be used to save. 00:10:06.640 --> 00:10:09.700 Remember, even the farm equipment, you couldn't even get it sharpened. 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:10.980 It's going to cost you way too much. 00:10:11.040 --> 00:10:11.780 It's prohibitive. 00:10:11.779 --> 00:10:14.919 The Philistines have a monopoly on iron. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:17.919 And no one is going to be able to compete with them. 00:10:18.100 --> 00:10:19.860 They have crippled the Israelites. 00:10:21.079 --> 00:10:26.639 But Jonathan does have what it takes to fight and to save. 00:10:27.120 --> 00:10:27.980 He has the weapons. 00:10:29.120 --> 00:10:32.659 Now this little detail is given on this first verse about Jonathan. 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.860 What does the next word say on yours? 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:39.680 But he did not tell his father. 00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:43.379 The silhouettes are clearly formed. 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:45.279 Why not? 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:50.680 Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the author is setting up a contrast here. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:55.340 He implies that Saul would disagree with Jonathan's plan. 00:10:56.300 --> 00:10:57.419 He wouldn't get it. 00:10:57.779 --> 00:11:00.759 He would think it's a reckless suicide mission. 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:06.259 Saul didn't share Jonathan's theology of mission. 00:11:07.819 --> 00:11:12.840 According to Saul's philosophy, this was a plan doomed to die. 00:11:14.600 --> 00:11:19.120 You could probably ask any Reformed Baptist pastor and someone has told them that, right? 00:11:20.799 --> 00:11:23.620 If you don't share that same theology of mission. 00:11:23.980 --> 00:11:27.539 Now notice the contrast how in verse 2 Saul is described. 00:11:27.539 --> 00:11:29.659 Saul was sitting. 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:36.759 Jonathan is going, marching on the attack, invading enemy land, which is actually their land to be taken. 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:38.659 And Saul is sitting. 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:45.019 In the outskirts or cave of Gibeah, under a pomegranate tree. 00:11:45.839 --> 00:11:48.459 It's the picture of comfort and luxury. 00:11:49.079 --> 00:11:50.959 In the shade, with cool water. 00:11:51.679 --> 00:11:53.639 Most likely his feet are propped off. 00:11:54.179 --> 00:11:55.679 Propped up with the sandals off. 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:56.779 That's what I would do at least. 00:11:57.539 --> 00:12:00.240 Well, it says it's near Migron. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:04.599 And that means precipice or land slip. 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:06.939 You see the beauty of the details. 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:14.500 He's sitting in comfort right next to a landslide, a precipice, asking to fall. 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:20.320 And the people who were with him were about 600 men. 00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:31.400 So this man who has 600 sits in safety and comfort, eating fruit like Adam. 00:12:33.560 --> 00:12:36.000 And he's on the edge of a landslide. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:39.540 The ground beneath him is not solid ground. 00:12:40.820 --> 00:12:41.820 It's a cliff. 00:12:41.820 --> 00:12:48.360 By contrast, Jonathan leaves the comfort and goes on the offensive. 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:51.899 You see the contrast set up in verses 1 and 2? 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:55.519 All right, let's move on to the next movement. 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:59.100 Next, the religion of each man is revealed. 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:06.200 We shouldn't think that Jonathan is religious and Saul is not or vice versa. 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:08.860 Both have a religion that's going to be revealed. 00:13:09.019 --> 00:13:10.000 And what happens next? 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:14.379 The one man has an appearance-based religion. 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:16.580 Appearance-based religion. 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:19.440 See, that's the contrast that relies on man's sight. 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:20.360 Look at verse 3. 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:25.980 Ahijah is going to say something about Ahijah, but first he puts in this whole genealogy. 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:29.000 Remember, it just so happened this is all providential. 00:13:29.039 --> 00:13:30.539 We should pay attention to these details. 00:13:30.539 --> 00:13:35.339 So Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother. 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:37.199 Wait, where have I heard the name Ichabod? 00:13:38.299 --> 00:13:39.879 Do you remember what Ichabod means? 00:13:40.679 --> 00:13:43.360 It means the glory of God has departed. 00:13:44.459 --> 00:13:48.319 This is the line of priests Saul's going to dress up. 00:13:50.079 --> 00:13:53.000 Ichabod's brother, son of Phinehas. 00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:54.579 Wait, we know Phinehas. 00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:56.419 Hophni and Phinehas. 00:13:56.419 --> 00:14:05.860 Those two priests under Eli's authority who had turned the holy hill of God into a pagan temple of debauchery, 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:11.000 carnality, flesh-loving, lust. 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:20.039 It's as worse or as bad as any pagan temple in Egypt or in the Canaanite land or of the early churches later on. 00:14:21.199 --> 00:14:23.679 And look what this man is doing. 00:14:23.679 --> 00:14:26.799 He was wearing an ephod. 00:14:29.199 --> 00:14:32.819 The ephod was the priest's ornamental breastplate. 00:14:33.599 --> 00:14:36.979 It's significant for what Saul is going to call this man to come and do later, 00:14:37.099 --> 00:14:40.179 which is basically to roll the dice and determine the will of God. 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:42.659 But that was kept in this breastplate of the priest. 00:14:44.299 --> 00:14:48.799 See how the author here couldn't even call this man Ahijah a priest. 00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:51.839 He just says to say that he was wearing the ephod. 00:14:52.479 --> 00:14:53.799 He wasn't a priest. 00:14:54.539 --> 00:14:58.579 He couldn't be a priest because the Lord had already removed that line. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:01.399 Eli's line was prohibited. 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:02.299 They were rejected. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:06.279 They had no priestly authority to act on. 00:15:07.299 --> 00:15:14.379 And yet that's who Saul dresses up and brings along with him as a token to decide what to do in battle. 00:15:14.379 --> 00:15:22.860 This man only wanted God's will through external manipulations. 00:15:23.580 --> 00:15:24.759 You see Saul's religion? 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:28.519 Clothing, title, pedigree. 00:15:29.840 --> 00:15:35.379 And really all of that in front of the army of 600 so that whatever he decides we're going to do, he has their backing. 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:38.460 It's all a big public show. 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:44.159 A religion based on external displays. 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:50.419 A philosophy of mission that relies on man's manipulation. 00:15:54.580 --> 00:15:57.559 1 Timothy 3.5 warns us about this. 00:15:57.879 --> 00:16:00.659 Have nothing to do with such men. 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:07.379 Some of you have spiraled and spent months or years away from church because of such men. 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:11.919 But by God's grace you know the shepherd's voice and he takes care of his people. 00:16:13.579 --> 00:16:15.980 Here's the warning from 1 Timothy 3.5. 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:19.360 Such men have a form of godliness. 00:16:20.339 --> 00:16:20.759 Saul did. 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:23.120 But denying its power. 00:16:24.919 --> 00:16:29.679 They resist the truth and their folly will be manifest to all. 00:16:29.679 --> 00:16:33.919 That's exactly how this Old Testament chapter ends. 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:39.419 Saul's folly exposed to all and preserved in the scripture for all generations to come. 00:16:39.699 --> 00:16:42.659 As a warning to the true army of God. 00:16:44.699 --> 00:16:45.919 So that was Saul. 00:16:46.219 --> 00:16:47.799 His religion exposed. 00:16:48.479 --> 00:16:49.419 Well what about Jonathan? 00:16:50.479 --> 00:16:54.639 Jonathan had a faith enlivened obedience. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:58.199 Saul had an appearance based religion. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:17:02.159 But Jonathan will see has a faith enlivened obedience. 00:17:03.919 --> 00:17:05.940 We continue reading in our passage. 00:17:06.879 --> 00:17:07.460 Verse 3. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:10.720 The people didn't even know that Jonathan had gone. 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:11.079 See. 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:13.099 While his dad wants a public show. 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:16.579 Jonathan obeys without anyone even noticing. 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:19.399 Verse 4. 00:17:19.399 --> 00:17:20.559 Between the passes. 00:17:21.139 --> 00:17:24.319 By which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison. 00:17:24.439 --> 00:17:27.539 There was a sharp rock like a cliff on one side. 00:17:27.879 --> 00:17:30.259 And a sharp rock a cliff on the other side. 00:17:32.199 --> 00:17:35.139 The name of one was Bozes. 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:37.079 That means slippery. 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:39.299 And the name of the other. 00:17:39.859 --> 00:17:40.139 Sene. 00:17:40.660 --> 00:17:42.120 That means thorny. 00:17:43.580 --> 00:17:46.240 The front of one faced northward. 00:17:46.820 --> 00:17:48.000 Opposite Michmash. 00:17:48.880 --> 00:17:49.600 Do you get the picture? 00:17:50.360 --> 00:17:50.820 Michmash. 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:52.259 The Philistines are to the north. 00:17:52.800 --> 00:17:55.259 So the one that's facing northward. 00:17:55.820 --> 00:17:57.820 Would you guess that that one is slippery or thorny? 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:01.000 The north face of a cliff. 00:18:01.840 --> 00:18:02.759 We know in Colorado. 00:18:03.120 --> 00:18:04.360 That's going to be the slippery one. 00:18:04.840 --> 00:18:06.980 And the other one faced southward. 00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:08.300 Facing Gibeah. 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:09.180 Facing the Israelites. 00:18:09.180 --> 00:18:10.320 That one was thorny. 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:13.400 The Philistines were tucked under behind that one. 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:20.640 And his theology of ministry is beautifully painted for us. 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:22.620 Come, armor bearer. 00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:23.259 Let's go. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:27.380 Let's climb down the slippery face on this side. 00:18:28.240 --> 00:18:31.880 Let's army crawl up the thorns on the other side. 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:33.960 Now listen to verse 6. 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:35.880 Theology revealed. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:40.660 Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor. 00:18:41.800 --> 00:18:45.840 Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:49.060 He's not just trying to dish out insults. 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:51.200 This is covenantal language. 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:51.440 This is covenantal language. 00:18:51.440 --> 00:19:03.500 It's an outpost of the invading enemy who opposes God's kingdom and who considers God's covenant people, the bride of God, a stench. 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:03.940 Smelly. 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:04.500 They're not just trying to do it. 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:05.500 They're not just trying to do it. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:05.500 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:05.740 Smelly. 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:10.380 They've crippled and are humiliating the bride of Christ. 00:19:10.599 --> 00:19:12.039 Let's go over there and attack. 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:16.720 And here he says what he believes. 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:21.440 It may be that the Lord will work for us. 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:26.340 Does that sound like maybe he doesn't have a strong faith? 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:29.440 It's weak and he's trying to hedge himself a little bit. 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:39.440 I think he's learning the same theology that God will teach later to the Hebrews when they're carried off to Babylon in exile. 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:43.340 The God in whom we trust is able to deliver us. 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:46.580 But even if he does not, we will serve him. 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:56.120 If we get thrown into the fiery furnace and our bodies are reduced to ash, God would have been able to deliver us from that. 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:58.000 That picture of hell on earth. 00:19:59.140 --> 00:20:01.140 And even if he does not, we'll serve him. 00:20:01.860 --> 00:20:02.860 Of course he's able. 00:20:03.880 --> 00:20:06.120 It's not a weak faith that Jonathan shows. 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:07.779 It's a strong faith. 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:11.220 It's a faith in the strong God. 00:20:12.079 --> 00:20:17.440 A faith strong enough to rest itself in God's freedom. 00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:25.759 In the Reformation, the mantra was this. 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:27.220 Sola Scriptura. 00:20:28.180 --> 00:20:34.579 And the conviction of such ministers, which is really just representing all true believers of all times, is this. 00:20:34.579 --> 00:20:37.419 That it's our job to get the word of God to the ear. 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.639 Our orders are clear. 00:20:40.379 --> 00:20:43.439 But it's God's job to get his word to the heart. 00:20:43.919 --> 00:20:45.059 Only he can do that. 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:48.919 Let us go and get the word to the ear. 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:53.379 Maybe it'll be that God will work through what we're doing. 00:20:54.399 --> 00:20:55.720 He's free to do it. 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:59.059 And we know God's power. 00:20:59.059 --> 00:21:01.240 And we trust his good pleasure. 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:05.559 Here's the grounds for such confidence in mission. 00:21:06.380 --> 00:21:07.380 Jonathan says it. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:11.380 Nothing restrains the Lord from saving. 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:15.000 Nothing restrains the Lord from saving. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:18.480 If there's to be any salvation today, it will come from the Lord. 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:21.400 The Philistines can't restrain God. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:23.079 They can restrain men. 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:28.640 They can cripple the economy of the nation or of the Christians in any kingdom. 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:33.319 But nothing can restrain the Lord from saving by many or by few. 00:21:33.860 --> 00:21:35.019 God doesn't need 600. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.779 He doesn't need 3,000. 00:21:36.860 --> 00:21:38.120 He doesn't need 30,000. 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:40.299 Here's one man. 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:43.640 Faith enlivened obedience. 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:46.079 And his armor bearer. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:52.619 I love how the armor bearer doesn't get a name, but he does get words in the dialogue. 00:21:53.699 --> 00:21:55.240 He doesn't even need to be named. 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:58.179 We know God's power. 00:21:59.099 --> 00:22:00.419 We trust his good pleasure. 00:22:01.179 --> 00:22:03.119 So the armor bearer says to him in verse 7, 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:06.279 Do all that is in your heart. 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:07.819 Go then. 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:11.159 Here I am with you according to your heart. 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:16.259 Well, who put this desire in Jonathan's heart? 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:18.320 It's not a natural desire. 00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:21.220 This desire came from the Lord. 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:24.180 It's the ministry of the Holy Spirit to Jonathan. 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:26.400 To act in obedience. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:27.560 By faith alone. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:30.060 In God's power alone. 00:22:31.560 --> 00:22:36.540 And that faith and that theology that Jonathan just got done preaching to the armor bearer. 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:40.960 The Holy Spirit causes the armor bearer to receive it and resonate with that. 00:22:41.940 --> 00:22:44.019 He's most likely going to lose his life. 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:45.460 All the odds are against them. 00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:48.019 He doesn't need to do this. 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:49.920 Jonathan's giving him an invitation. 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:54.259 And he expresses the heart of the matter. 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:57.240 Do what is in your heart, Jonathan. 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:57.920 This faith. 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:59.440 This conviction you have. 00:23:00.420 --> 00:23:02.460 I am with you according to your heart. 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:05.259 It's because of what you said that I want to go with you to. 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:08.799 Praise the Lord for such partners in mission. 00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:09.240 Amen. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:12.119 Come. 00:23:12.619 --> 00:23:16.400 Let's go over and obey what Christ has called us to do. 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:19.980 We ought to be saying that to one another. 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.440 Come. 00:23:21.879 --> 00:23:24.000 Let's go over to our neighbors. 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:29.740 Let's have our friends over and hear about their life and this hard thing they're going through. 00:23:30.180 --> 00:23:32.319 It may be that the Lord will work through us. 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:32.700 Come. 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:33.899 Come. 00:23:33.980 --> 00:23:37.839 Let's go set up chairs at the park and preach the gospel. 00:23:38.740 --> 00:23:40.220 It may be that the Lord will work. 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:42.079 Nothing restrains him from saving. 00:23:43.159 --> 00:23:46.179 We can bring the word to the ear and maybe the Lord will bring it to the heart. 00:23:48.139 --> 00:23:48.519 Come. 00:23:48.599 --> 00:23:53.099 Let's do those simple things of gathering two or three in the name of Jesus and praying. 00:23:53.099 --> 00:24:01.099 And it may be that as we join our prayers to his, his spirit will apply that powerfully in the heart and life of someone who needs it most. 00:24:03.439 --> 00:24:04.699 Let's give out the gospel. 00:24:04.959 --> 00:24:05.919 Let's evangelize. 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:09.599 It may be that the Lord will work for us. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:13.240 Well, let's see if the Lord does. 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:17.439 Faith enlivened obedience proven now. 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:19.199 Would you look at verse eight? 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:25.019 So Jonathan hears the response from the armor bearer and says, very well. 00:24:25.699 --> 00:24:26.379 It's on. 00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:32.180 Let us cross over to these men and we will show ourselves to them. 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:41.420 Now, Saul was relying on that external, you know, manipulation of wearing the ephod and bringing a priest from a banished line. 00:24:42.920 --> 00:24:44.780 Jonathan wants to hear directly from the Lord. 00:24:45.340 --> 00:24:46.440 Lord, you tell us. 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:49.700 You tell us if we're to be, if we're being unwise and foolish. 00:24:49.820 --> 00:24:52.240 If you say we're being foolish, we can turn around right now. 00:24:52.560 --> 00:24:53.940 You show us how you want to act. 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:57.440 But the Lord stirred this, I believe, in my heart to obey. 00:24:58.100 --> 00:25:00.000 If the Lord turns me away from it, that's okay. 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:01.180 I'll accept his will. 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:07.180 If they say come up, then we'll know the Lord is with us. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:10.299 If they say we'll come down to you, we won't do it. 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:12.380 We'll leave it in the Lord's hands. 00:25:12.880 --> 00:25:14.559 But the wording is very interesting. 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.759 Would you look at verse 10? 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:21.559 Now zero in where he says, come up to us, then we will go up. 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:22.279 Now pay attention. 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:27.099 For the Lord has delivered them into our hands. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:29.819 Do you remember the name of Jonathan? 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:31.819 Yahweh Nathan? 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:33.160 Yahweh Nathan? 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:38.099 Yahweh is God, the Lord, Jehovah, the covenant-keeping God. 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:41.079 And Nathan means received or has delivered or given. 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:44.480 He's using his own name in his theology of mission. 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:50.259 If they say come up, that means Jonathan. 00:25:50.920 --> 00:25:54.120 It means the Lord has already delivered them into our hands. 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:57.180 And this will be a sign from God to us. 00:25:58.099 --> 00:26:00.620 His theology relies on God's power. 00:26:01.620 --> 00:26:02.700 Now look at verse 11. 00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:05.200 That's exactly what happens. 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:08.840 He gets mocked. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:11.539 They get their bluff called. 00:26:12.360 --> 00:26:14.100 And he says the exact same thing. 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:17.400 Come on up after me, armor bearer, for Jonathan. 00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:20.299 Into the hands of Israel. 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:24.940 The Lord Yahweh is keeping his covenant to his people. 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:26.840 And has already delivered them. 00:26:26.839 --> 00:26:29.019 It's in the past tense to his people. 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:32.980 His faith rests in God's freedom. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:37.919 It's a religion that receives freely from God's strong hand. 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:41.759 Trusting completely in God's good pleasure. 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:46.500 Faith enlivened obedience. 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:50.679 Proven by the almighty God who delivers it. 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:58.060 Well the next movement I would like us to see is the wartime behavior of both men. 00:26:58.640 --> 00:26:59.180 Described. 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.920 Saul and Jonathan. 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:03.500 Wartime behavior. 00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:09.259 Jonathan continues trusting in God's power by faith. 00:27:09.340 --> 00:27:10.880 He's a trusting warrior. 00:27:10.880 --> 00:27:16.140 We read in verse 13 that Jonathan climbed up on his hands and knees. 00:27:17.080 --> 00:27:20.039 See first he had to descend down into the ravine. 00:27:20.680 --> 00:27:21.720 On the slippery slope. 00:27:21.840 --> 00:27:23.820 But now he's climbing back up. 00:27:24.060 --> 00:27:26.299 On his hands and knees or hands and feet. 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:29.539 What it looks like is an army crawl. 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.539 It's slow. 00:27:32.259 --> 00:27:33.420 It's inch by inch. 00:27:33.600 --> 00:27:34.620 One after the other. 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:36.960 Deliberate. 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:38.380 Trusting. 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:42.340 It's also a posture of worship. 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:48.200 This would have been a great time to describe in detail. 00:27:50.680 --> 00:27:53.799 The fencing maneuvers of Jonathan and his armor bearer. 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:56.279 But you notice how he's described as he climbed up. 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:57.820 Army crawl. 00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:59.200 Posture of worship. 00:28:00.080 --> 00:28:02.000 With his armor bearer after him. 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:03.660 And what's the outcome? 00:28:05.400 --> 00:28:07.039 He receives the help from the Lord. 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:09.279 His trust in God is not disappointed. 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:11.480 Listen to how simply it's put. 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.480 And think of this. 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:15.120 Who wrote this? 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.840 Maybe Samuel. 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:19.259 And who did Samuel hear from either the Lord inspiring and just telling him. 00:28:19.379 --> 00:28:21.240 Or Jonathan giving a report from the battle. 00:28:21.919 --> 00:28:22.599 So what happened? 00:28:22.679 --> 00:28:23.359 We climbed up. 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.519 Posture of worship. 00:28:24.919 --> 00:28:25.599 And then what happened? 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.379 They fell before Jonathan. 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:29.480 And as he came up after him. 00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.679 His armor bearer killed them. 00:28:31.639 --> 00:28:32.919 No glory for Jonathan. 00:28:33.659 --> 00:28:35.579 He wasn't described as a great fighter. 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:38.299 He army crawled. 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:40.819 And the Lord made him fall before him. 00:28:40.819 --> 00:28:45.939 The ratio is interesting. 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:50.740 You remember how in chapter 13 there were 30,000 Philistines and 3,000 Israelites? 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:53.339 And maybe it's 30 regiments. 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:56.019 But the ratio is you reduce it down. 00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:57.259 The zeros become ones. 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:58.259 Or the threes become ones. 00:28:58.379 --> 00:29:01.240 It's a 10 to one ratio from chapter 13. 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:02.299 The odds are all against them. 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:03.579 Now the ratio is. 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.939 Look at verse 14. 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:06.299 That first slaughter. 00:29:06.539 --> 00:29:07.799 So there's more to come like that. 00:29:08.200 --> 00:29:09.579 Jonathan and his armor bearer. 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:11.539 There were about 20 men. 00:29:12.419 --> 00:29:14.439 So here's two Israelites to 20. 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.119 Same ratio. 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:16.559 Reduce it down 1 to 10. 00:29:17.419 --> 00:29:18.519 The Lord can do it. 00:29:19.439 --> 00:29:21.139 The Lord can use the small numbers. 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:25.099 The Lord can use impossible ratios to bring himself all the glory. 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:27.599 I love the detail as well. 00:29:28.699 --> 00:29:30.279 Not only the ratio of the men. 00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:34.500 But also the space in which this little attack took place. 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:39.319 It's described as about half a furrow of land. 00:29:40.379 --> 00:29:43.579 The Hebrew reads half a yoke of land. 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:50.740 A yoke of land is the area that a pair of oxen could plow or furrow in one day. 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:52.779 In about half a day's work. 00:29:54.299 --> 00:29:58.519 And these two warriors are described as oxen pulling a plow together. 00:29:58.519 --> 00:30:03.859 Remember in Philippians how Paul described his partner in ministry. 00:30:03.859 --> 00:30:04.879 His yoke fellow. 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:07.559 His armor bearer so to speak. 00:30:08.639 --> 00:30:09.519 These yoke fellows. 00:30:09.680 --> 00:30:10.859 It's just half a day's work. 00:30:11.639 --> 00:30:12.980 They're not even worn out. 00:30:13.180 --> 00:30:13.759 They're tired. 00:30:13.900 --> 00:30:16.359 They're I'm sure carrying nicks and bleeding here and there. 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.960 And maybe rolled an ankle. 00:30:18.160 --> 00:30:20.240 But they're not even worn out. 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.099 It's halfway. 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:22.200 We could keep going. 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:25.019 Verse 15. 00:30:25.420 --> 00:30:27.100 There was trembling in the camp. 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:27.860 In the field. 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:28.900 And among all the people. 00:30:29.019 --> 00:30:30.920 And the garrison of the raiders also trembled. 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:32.160 And the earth quaked. 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:35.539 So that it was a very strong trembling. 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:43.960 The Lord takes this faith empowered obedience. 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:46.659 And chooses to work mightily. 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:49.839 The Philistines now who had every reason. 00:30:50.059 --> 00:30:51.639 According to worldly powers. 00:30:51.920 --> 00:30:53.639 To be confident and to win. 00:30:53.720 --> 00:30:55.500 Are now shaking in their sandals. 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:59.399 There's most likely also an earthquake. 00:31:00.099 --> 00:31:00.819 Just a reminder. 00:31:00.960 --> 00:31:03.559 Just like God can send a flash lightning storm and rain. 00:31:03.559 --> 00:31:06.220 He can send an earthquake in this part of the world. 00:31:06.899 --> 00:31:10.419 And cause mass confusion to fall upon these massive troops. 00:31:11.599 --> 00:31:15.279 Jonathan and the armor bearer placed their lives in the hands of God. 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.639 And they prayed. 00:31:17.419 --> 00:31:19.819 May it be that the Lord will work for us. 00:31:20.859 --> 00:31:23.460 And the Lord worked mightily by few. 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.599 Martin Luther said. 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:28.679 I have held many things in my hands. 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:30.779 And I have lost them all. 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:34.399 But whatever I have placed in God's hands. 00:31:34.859 --> 00:31:37.279 That I still possess. 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:40.779 Place your life in God's hands. 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:42.740 And he will work mightily. 00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:43.879 For his glory. 00:31:44.639 --> 00:31:46.220 Rest your life in God's power. 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:47.399 By faith. 00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:49.920 That's the wartime behavior. 00:31:50.720 --> 00:31:52.019 Of those who trust in God. 00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:55.099 Well let's look at the other hand now. 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:55.539 Saul. 00:31:55.899 --> 00:31:56.859 The worldly ruler. 00:31:57.119 --> 00:31:59.099 Who relied on man's sight. 00:31:59.099 --> 00:32:01.799 We're going to see in verse 16. 00:32:01.959 --> 00:32:04.219 Saul first had to see the tide of war turning. 00:32:04.699 --> 00:32:07.139 Before he was willing to join the fight. 00:32:08.119 --> 00:32:09.159 We read in verse 16. 00:32:09.319 --> 00:32:10.539 Now the watchman of Saul. 00:32:10.879 --> 00:32:12.059 And Gibeah of Benjamin. 00:32:13.019 --> 00:32:13.699 Reminding us. 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.480 Remember Benjamin. 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:16.179 Saul is still from there. 00:32:17.219 --> 00:32:18.279 And there was a multitude. 00:32:18.740 --> 00:32:19.679 Melting away. 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:22.419 That multitude of Philistines. 00:32:22.579 --> 00:32:23.679 Like sand on the seashore. 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:25.259 Now melting away. 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:28.719 Just like you would melt down their iron weapons. 00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:31.679 And when they saw God working in power. 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:32.899 They went here and there. 00:32:34.099 --> 00:32:36.419 So I wrestled for a while. 00:32:36.659 --> 00:32:37.719 Who is this referring to? 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:39.139 Who is it that went here and there? 00:32:39.819 --> 00:32:41.719 I think the Hebrew doesn't answer that clearly. 00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:42.839 We can't say for certain. 00:32:43.379 --> 00:32:45.299 We know that the Philistines were in chaos. 00:32:45.439 --> 00:32:46.619 They were trembling and scattered. 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:47.480 And melting away. 00:32:48.139 --> 00:32:49.619 But it seems the wording to me. 00:32:49.899 --> 00:32:51.259 Maybe even more likely. 00:32:51.439 --> 00:32:53.919 That this is also describing the massive troops. 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:55.259 The 600 with Saul. 00:32:55.480 --> 00:32:56.399 Going here and there. 00:32:56.400 --> 00:32:57.560 There's chaos in the camp. 00:32:57.980 --> 00:32:59.540 Everyone doing as he sees best. 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:01.019 Whatever pleases him. 00:33:01.800 --> 00:33:02.560 In verse 17. 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:04.480 Then Saul said to the people who were with him. 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:08.180 Now call the role and see who has gone from us. 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:09.759 See he can't keep track of his people. 00:33:09.860 --> 00:33:11.000 That's a chaos in his camp. 00:33:11.780 --> 00:33:12.780 And when they had called roles. 00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:13.480 Surprisingly. 00:33:14.120 --> 00:33:16.660 Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. 00:33:18.120 --> 00:33:20.180 Well we had wondered if losing his donkeys. 00:33:20.180 --> 00:33:21.380 Was foreshadowing. 00:33:21.580 --> 00:33:23.880 Him not being able to take care of those entrusted. 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:25.160 To his leadership. 00:33:26.280 --> 00:33:28.100 Saul had to have all the troops lined up. 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:29.980 Before he realized his own son. 00:33:30.780 --> 00:33:31.520 Wasn't there. 00:33:33.620 --> 00:33:34.540 You see how. 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:38.200 The silhouettes of these two men drift farther and farther apart. 00:33:39.560 --> 00:33:40.920 They have the same name. 00:33:41.600 --> 00:33:42.760 They're from the same tribe. 00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:44.340 But they're not close. 00:33:45.040 --> 00:33:47.140 They represent the same banner. 00:33:47.560 --> 00:33:48.160 In the war. 00:33:49.020 --> 00:33:51.100 But are they really fighting for the same kingdom? 00:33:51.960 --> 00:33:53.560 Are they really on the same mission? 00:33:53.559 --> 00:33:57.740 And Saul says to Ahijah. 00:33:59.000 --> 00:34:01.319 While Jonathan's dialogue is with his armor bearer. 00:34:01.359 --> 00:34:04.539 Who receives this call to go die. 00:34:04.619 --> 00:34:05.440 And lay down your life. 00:34:05.859 --> 00:34:06.259 Potentially. 00:34:06.399 --> 00:34:07.819 Unless the Lord will choose to save. 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:12.000 Saul is now consulting with this rejected priest. 00:34:12.779 --> 00:34:14.619 From whom the glory of God has departed. 00:34:15.759 --> 00:34:16.699 Bring the ark here. 00:34:16.840 --> 00:34:19.539 For at that time the ark of God was with the children of Israel. 00:34:20.059 --> 00:34:21.559 In Kirash Jerem. 00:34:21.559 --> 00:34:24.039 Remember the ark had been carried away to Philistia. 00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:26.299 But now it was back in the land of Israel. 00:34:26.820 --> 00:34:29.199 And Ahijah is now wearing the Unum. 00:34:29.199 --> 00:34:30.439 Urim and the Thunum. 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:32.299 Which were kind of like dice. 00:34:32.379 --> 00:34:34.019 We don't know a whole lot about them from scripture. 00:34:34.500 --> 00:34:37.819 But they were used to determine option A or option B. 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:39.799 In seeking the Lord's will. 00:34:40.859 --> 00:34:41.439 So Saul. 00:34:41.579 --> 00:34:45.179 Even after watching the Lord give a massive victory through his own son. 00:34:45.539 --> 00:34:47.119 Is still uncertain of what to do. 00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:49.679 Now listen. 00:34:49.679 --> 00:34:54.920 Even as the priest is going to reach in there and grab these to help determine the will of God. 00:34:55.299 --> 00:34:57.940 We read that there was noise in the camp of the Philistines. 00:34:58.019 --> 00:34:59.380 And it continued to increase. 00:35:00.259 --> 00:35:05.239 So Saul is more tuned in in his ear to the Philistines and their behavior. 00:35:06.420 --> 00:35:08.900 And so Saul said to the priest withdraw your hand. 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:12.880 Saul couldn't even entrust this to the Lord. 00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:18.640 His ears were so obsessed with what the world was doing. 00:35:19.320 --> 00:35:20.519 He couldn't listen to God. 00:35:22.099 --> 00:35:27.619 This worldly ruler relies entirely on man's senses. 00:35:28.260 --> 00:35:29.820 What you can see and what you can hear. 00:35:31.160 --> 00:35:32.860 What a contrast to Jonathan. 00:35:33.300 --> 00:35:34.480 The trusting warrior. 00:35:35.900 --> 00:35:37.700 Resting in God's power by faith. 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:47.299 Well, as we look at the conclusion of this passage, I want to highlight for us some of the rich theology. 00:35:47.299 --> 00:35:49.439 As I'm sure you've already been observing. 00:35:50.579 --> 00:35:53.759 Specifically, what does this reveal about the Lord and his gospel? 00:35:55.039 --> 00:35:59.019 And number two, how does this foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ? 00:35:59.139 --> 00:35:59.939 The true king. 00:36:00.759 --> 00:36:02.779 And the true trusting warrior. 00:36:02.780 --> 00:36:10.880 First of all, it reminds us that the Lord loves to save his people against all odds. 00:36:12.400 --> 00:36:17.300 It just so happened that day that the Lord proved Jonathan's conviction true. 00:36:17.460 --> 00:36:21.540 Nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few. 00:36:23.060 --> 00:36:26.220 The Lord is pleased to do this time and time again. 00:36:26.600 --> 00:36:28.540 In every generation of church history. 00:36:28.539 --> 00:36:32.119 Scholars estimate that the church in Ephesus. 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:37.500 The audience of the letter to the Ephesians that we love and we pour over and study. 00:36:37.860 --> 00:36:41.000 Most likely that congregation was 40 to 60 people. 00:36:42.059 --> 00:36:43.400 The church in Philippi. 00:36:43.739 --> 00:36:45.360 40 to 60 people. 00:36:46.679 --> 00:36:48.920 We can fast forward to the 1600s. 00:36:49.179 --> 00:36:50.860 To the great nation of Scotland. 00:36:52.019 --> 00:36:53.259 John and Carrie just got back from there. 00:36:53.320 --> 00:36:54.759 That's why I'm smiling at them. 00:36:54.760 --> 00:36:58.840 A wonderful preacher named Samuel Rutherford. 00:37:00.140 --> 00:37:04.760 In his congregation, the building itself would only fit about 150 people. 00:37:05.000 --> 00:37:07.560 That's if every little corner was packed every single time. 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:12.640 The Lord is able to save by many or by few. 00:37:14.180 --> 00:37:18.560 John Owen, another Puritan, preached at times to 40 people. 00:37:19.600 --> 00:37:23.820 And then the Lord can take, like with Spurgeon, you know, here's 20 children in a Sunday school class. 00:37:23.820 --> 00:37:26.740 And the Lord can bring in as many as he wants. 00:37:27.500 --> 00:37:29.039 But he's the one who is saving. 00:37:29.160 --> 00:37:30.640 He's the one who is working mightily. 00:37:30.740 --> 00:37:32.200 Not by what we can see as men. 00:37:32.559 --> 00:37:34.059 Not by sight, but by faith. 00:37:34.340 --> 00:37:36.960 In whatever way will bring him the most glory. 00:37:38.300 --> 00:37:43.920 We read in verse 20 of our passage that Saul and all the other people who were with him assembled. 00:37:44.500 --> 00:37:45.320 And they went to battle. 00:37:46.180 --> 00:37:48.539 Yes, the Lord can work by many as well. 00:37:48.600 --> 00:37:49.880 Just as he worked by few. 00:37:49.880 --> 00:37:53.400 Indeed, every man's sword was against his neighbor. 00:37:53.800 --> 00:37:54.880 And there is very great confusion. 00:37:55.900 --> 00:37:56.480 Verse 21. 00:37:56.880 --> 00:38:00.160 Moreover, the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before that time. 00:38:00.360 --> 00:38:03.079 Who went up with them into the camp from the surrounding country. 00:38:03.519 --> 00:38:06.420 They also joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 00:38:07.079 --> 00:38:10.980 Likewise, all the men of Israel who had hidden in the mountains of Ephraim. 00:38:11.619 --> 00:38:14.000 When they heard that the Philistines fled. 00:38:14.320 --> 00:38:17.119 They also followed hard after them in battle. 00:38:17.119 --> 00:38:24.859 Well, the concluding phrase is the very beginning only of verse 23. 00:38:25.940 --> 00:38:29.539 So the Lord saved Israel that day. 00:38:31.219 --> 00:38:34.199 This is an allusion to Exodus 14.30. 00:38:34.679 --> 00:38:38.519 Which says, so the Lord saved Israel that day. 00:38:39.019 --> 00:38:41.099 Out of the hand of the Egyptians. 00:38:41.099 --> 00:38:46.759 And the theme for the people of God under the word of God is the same. 00:38:47.940 --> 00:38:51.099 The Lord is your faithful deliverer. 00:38:51.739 --> 00:38:53.339 Don't put your hopes on men. 00:38:54.279 --> 00:38:55.799 Don't put your hopes on idols. 00:38:56.960 --> 00:39:01.039 The Lord is the one who delivered his people out of slavery and bondage. 00:39:01.339 --> 00:39:03.559 It's the Lord who delivered the victory today. 00:39:03.559 --> 00:39:14.000 The people of God are in the promised land. 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:16.599 Yahweh Nathan. 00:39:17.239 --> 00:39:19.579 The Lord is delivering to them now. 00:39:20.320 --> 00:39:23.519 The rest and the freedom that he has promised. 00:39:23.519 --> 00:39:29.400 Romans 6.23 reminds us that the wages of sin is death. 00:39:29.400 --> 00:39:35.280 But the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. 00:39:35.460 --> 00:39:36.340 How can that be? 00:39:36.719 --> 00:39:43.980 It's because the Lord freely delivers to his people salvation through Jesus Christ. 00:39:44.259 --> 00:39:46.380 From the wages of sin and death. 00:39:46.519 --> 00:39:49.400 From bondage to our own sin and our own flesh. 00:39:49.400 --> 00:39:52.960 Jesus preached in Matthew 19.26. 00:39:53.500 --> 00:39:57.519 What is impossible with man is possible with God. 00:39:58.000 --> 00:39:58.900 How can that be so? 00:39:59.400 --> 00:40:00.539 Hebrews 7.25. 00:40:00.680 --> 00:40:04.360 Because he is able to save to the uttermost. 00:40:04.780 --> 00:40:06.599 Those who draw near to him. 00:40:07.160 --> 00:40:08.660 Who is it that draws near to him? 00:40:08.980 --> 00:40:11.079 It's those for whom he is interceding. 00:40:11.519 --> 00:40:13.280 And he's interceding because he lives. 00:40:14.240 --> 00:40:15.700 He's the great deliverer. 00:40:15.940 --> 00:40:16.700 The great king. 00:40:16.699 --> 00:40:20.759 And he loves to save his people against all odds. 00:40:22.000 --> 00:40:24.519 There's not a sin you or I could commit. 00:40:25.279 --> 00:40:26.379 So vile. 00:40:26.819 --> 00:40:27.439 So evil. 00:40:27.980 --> 00:40:30.439 That the righteousness of Christ couldn't cover it. 00:40:31.139 --> 00:40:32.919 His righteousness is so much greater. 00:40:36.199 --> 00:40:38.239 And now the foreshadowing of Jesus. 00:40:38.559 --> 00:40:39.719 Our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:40:40.359 --> 00:40:44.759 He's magnified by this contrast between Saul and Jonathan. 00:40:44.760 --> 00:40:50.200 Saul magnifies the glory of God in Jesus by opposites. 00:40:50.740 --> 00:40:53.760 And Jonathan magnifies it by pointing a head to a greater deliverer. 00:40:55.580 --> 00:40:56.880 Like Saul and Jonathan. 00:40:57.320 --> 00:40:58.800 There are two leaders. 00:40:59.020 --> 00:41:00.800 Two federal heads over all mankind. 00:41:01.120 --> 00:41:02.640 It's Adam and Christ. 00:41:03.100 --> 00:41:04.860 That's what Paul argues in Romans 5. 00:41:05.160 --> 00:41:06.180 It's Adam and Christ. 00:41:06.179 --> 00:41:10.339 Those are the only two with the weapons. 00:41:11.279 --> 00:41:11.960 So to speak. 00:41:12.259 --> 00:41:15.179 The ones who are able to secure for a people salvation. 00:41:16.299 --> 00:41:18.299 Adam was able not to sin. 00:41:20.039 --> 00:41:22.259 But he squandered the freedom of his will. 00:41:22.659 --> 00:41:26.279 And he bound the entire human race to slavery and to sin. 00:41:26.759 --> 00:41:28.799 Our wills are then bound with Adam's. 00:41:29.179 --> 00:41:29.639 Dead. 00:41:29.639 --> 00:41:30.039 Dead. 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:31.839 And like Jonathan. 00:41:31.940 --> 00:41:32.940 Our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:41:33.059 --> 00:41:34.400 He's heaven's prince. 00:41:35.099 --> 00:41:36.159 Who's on a mission. 00:41:36.239 --> 00:41:37.779 As we just sang in our songs today. 00:41:38.559 --> 00:41:40.940 He left his glorious throne above. 00:41:42.500 --> 00:41:44.319 And came into our suffering. 00:41:45.480 --> 00:41:48.199 He left the comforts of courtly life in heaven behind. 00:41:48.920 --> 00:41:51.480 And he was tempted on the slippery cliff. 00:41:51.779 --> 00:41:54.219 With every temptation known to man. 00:41:54.599 --> 00:41:55.619 Yet he never slipped. 00:41:55.619 --> 00:42:00.599 But the enemy then taunts and mocks Jesus. 00:42:03.960 --> 00:42:06.259 If you're able to save yourself. 00:42:06.400 --> 00:42:07.699 Then do it and save us too. 00:42:09.339 --> 00:42:10.839 And those of us who are sinners. 00:42:11.339 --> 00:42:13.039 In our flesh mock Jesus. 00:42:13.039 --> 00:42:14.839 As he hangs on the cross. 00:42:15.839 --> 00:42:16.920 Shedding his blood. 00:42:18.119 --> 00:42:19.460 Wearing the crown of thorns. 00:42:21.339 --> 00:42:22.619 Only to ascend. 00:42:23.420 --> 00:42:23.940 Victorious. 00:42:25.619 --> 00:42:28.420 Our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:42:29.159 --> 00:42:31.739 He trusted his father to the very end. 00:42:32.460 --> 00:42:34.059 He's the trusting warrior. 00:42:36.639 --> 00:42:40.059 He ascends on the other side of that chasm of death. 00:42:42.639 --> 00:42:45.859 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus. 00:42:46.039 --> 00:42:47.259 My dear brothers and sisters. 00:42:47.799 --> 00:42:48.880 Soldiers in the battle. 00:42:48.880 --> 00:42:53.220 As Jonathan called the armor bearer. 00:42:53.220 --> 00:42:54.260 Come up after me. 00:42:54.260 --> 00:42:57.640 For the Lord has given victory in my hands. 00:42:58.320 --> 00:42:59.500 Jesus says to you. 00:42:59.900 --> 00:43:00.740 Come after me. 00:43:01.539 --> 00:43:02.920 I've already ascended the hill. 00:43:03.920 --> 00:43:05.320 See what's in my heart. 00:43:06.320 --> 00:43:07.380 Follow after me. 00:43:08.119 --> 00:43:09.200 And we respond. 00:43:09.320 --> 00:43:10.440 Just like that armor bearer. 00:43:10.480 --> 00:43:11.300 To King Jesus. 00:43:11.800 --> 00:43:12.980 Do all that is in your heart. 00:43:13.340 --> 00:43:14.260 You go in front. 00:43:15.360 --> 00:43:15.680 Here. 00:43:15.679 --> 00:43:17.199 I am with you Lord. 00:43:18.259 --> 00:43:19.039 Army crawl. 00:43:19.379 --> 00:43:20.940 One inch after the other. 00:43:22.399 --> 00:43:24.759 And this is the encouragement I got from that pastor. 00:43:24.760 --> 00:43:29.820 One of our dear families moved to Jacksonville, Florida. 00:43:30.440 --> 00:43:30.880 Recently. 00:43:31.040 --> 00:43:32.080 Six months ago or so. 00:43:32.140 --> 00:43:34.280 And I've been in touch with their pastor there. 00:43:34.360 --> 00:43:35.440 Reformed Baptist pastor. 00:43:36.160 --> 00:43:38.800 And I shared with him some of the challenges of. 00:43:39.240 --> 00:43:39.520 You know. 00:43:39.580 --> 00:43:41.140 Just wanting my flesh to compare. 00:43:41.300 --> 00:43:42.260 And the criticism of. 00:43:43.000 --> 00:43:43.560 You know. 00:43:43.820 --> 00:43:45.140 Big successful churches. 00:43:45.140 --> 00:43:45.840 So to speak. 00:43:46.320 --> 00:43:47.320 And he just said. 00:43:47.520 --> 00:43:48.620 Started telling this story. 00:43:49.160 --> 00:43:49.580 He said. 00:43:49.620 --> 00:43:50.380 When they moved there. 00:43:50.560 --> 00:43:51.540 22 years ago. 00:43:51.539 --> 00:43:54.579 He had been through a hard meeting. 00:43:54.779 --> 00:43:56.139 And just parked in the parking lot. 00:43:56.199 --> 00:43:57.000 Before going home. 00:43:57.119 --> 00:43:58.679 And just found himself weeping. 00:43:59.579 --> 00:44:00.320 And thinking. 00:44:00.440 --> 00:44:00.639 Lord. 00:44:00.800 --> 00:44:02.699 If this is the end of this little church. 00:44:03.279 --> 00:44:03.960 So be it. 00:44:04.420 --> 00:44:05.380 It's in your hands. 00:44:05.420 --> 00:44:06.179 This is your work. 00:44:08.400 --> 00:44:10.440 And the Lord ministered to him in that moment. 00:44:10.539 --> 00:44:10.960 He said. 00:44:11.800 --> 00:44:13.579 I don't know what else to do Lord. 00:44:14.259 --> 00:44:16.699 I don't know what the future of this church will be. 00:44:17.559 --> 00:44:18.579 I trust you. 00:44:18.579 --> 00:44:21.259 You're the Jonathan. 00:44:21.539 --> 00:44:22.219 You're the warrior. 00:44:22.699 --> 00:44:23.539 You do the work. 00:44:24.699 --> 00:44:27.139 And what the Lord is calling him to do that day. 00:44:27.259 --> 00:44:28.279 Was to love his wife. 00:44:29.059 --> 00:44:29.920 Love his kids. 00:44:30.679 --> 00:44:31.000 Shepherd. 00:44:31.340 --> 00:44:34.019 Those precious few souls the Lord had put in his care. 00:44:35.139 --> 00:44:37.559 And the Lord helped him to be faithful that day. 00:44:38.619 --> 00:44:40.840 The Lord helped him to be faithful the next day. 00:44:41.440 --> 00:44:42.460 The next week. 00:44:43.279 --> 00:44:44.980 And he's been there for 22 years. 00:44:45.739 --> 00:44:47.980 The Lord is doing the work. 00:44:48.579 --> 00:44:50.759 Praise the Lord for his example and his testimony. 00:44:51.799 --> 00:44:55.579 Nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few. 00:44:56.519 --> 00:44:57.059 So church. 00:44:57.159 --> 00:44:59.639 Let's be faithful with what God has given us today. 00:45:01.099 --> 00:45:03.880 Today we will take the next step of obedience. 00:45:04.340 --> 00:45:06.739 With Jesus as the king of your life. 00:45:07.480 --> 00:45:10.019 And it may be that he will work for us today. 00:45:10.779 --> 00:45:13.099 Would you go to the Lord and pray that with me as well. 00:45:13.099 --> 00:45:13.159 Amen. 00:45:13.159 --> 00:45:13.159 00:45:13.159 --> 00:45:13.219 Amen. 00:45:13.219 --> 00:45:13.219 00:45:13.219 --> 00:45:13.219 00:45:13.219 --> 00:45:13.219